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10 Things To Know Before Making a Mobile App

Creative27March 9, 2018

So you are thinking of making a mobile app. Well, that is a right away a potentially good idea. Maybe you are offering solutions to a certain problem, would like to make money from it, or are simply passionate about this app idea. But, have you really thought it through? Whom are you targeting? How do you plan to roll it out? How are you going to develop it? These are some of the questions that should guide you through the process. Unfortunately, many people fail to actively pursue their goal after creating a mobile app. This is because they did not pay attention to the key questions, which are as follows:

Who are you targeting?

Mobile apps come in all shapes and designs. Each will seek to offer a solution to a particular problem. Before you start making a mobile app, you first need to identify your niche. Is it a student who wants simple calculations, an individual who is looking for friendly mobile money payments, an avid gamer who wants a mobile-friendly game, or mum who wants a cooking programme? Ascertaining and understanding your target person helps you focus on the likely problems that they may be facing. This minimizes time and effort spent on unnecessary details and features that don’t add value to your target group.

Who is going to develop the app?

There are many ways of developing an app. If you are a tech savvy person and have a full understanding, you may undertake the process yourself. You can also depend on an experienced third party to do it. This may entail talking to a friend or seeking the services of a freelancer. Whichever your option, it is paramount that you know what you want to achieve and how the development process will look like. Splitting it into phases and having a checklist is always helpful.

What makes your App special?

Truth is that you are not the only one thinking of making a mobile app. In fact, the sheer number of people who think their app idea is special will amaze you. However, despite the numbers, some apps have stood out where others have failed. You need to ascertain what makes your app special or unique. What will make the consumer choose yours and not that from another person? This calls for lots of research, understanding your niche, and at times trial and error.

Keep it Simple

Ever heard of the acronym K.I.S.S (Keep it Super Simple)? One misconception about app creation and design is that it has to be technical. However, this isn’t true. Research shows that the market will be more responsive and appreciative to an app that is easy and simple to use. The user wants to get the solution within seconds and not have to peruse through jargon. A good one will require minimal data, will load fast, and will look nice and presentable when viewed via mobile. It is also critical to make the app design appealing to users of different ages. This means paying close attention to the theme, colors, content, and more.

Have you done the research?

Many ambitious mobile app developers rush into making an app just because they have heard there is money in this business. Some will simply duplicate an idea from another successful developer. Sadly, they are more likely not to achieve success. Before making a mobile app, it pays to take time and research the market. Look at the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents or rivals; try to understand why similar apps failed. You can do this by talking to other developers, reading reviews from experts and engaging with consumers. A good app will seek to fill a gap.

What is your budget?

Many times, app developers are unable to finish a project or opt to take shortcuts because of the shortage of funds. This usually occurs because they don’t work with a budget or failed to account for other things. It is vital to determine how much money the app development process will require. Better still; seek services from an independent party who can be able to come up with the final figure. The next step is sourcing for funds to cater for the project. This may involve taking out personal savings, crowdsourcing, and fund pooling or disposing of some assets. Having an independent person overseeing the process helps to monitor the spending.

How is the user experience like?

There is more that goes into making a mobile app than just the icon. It is also very important to focus on the user’s experience. Will users like the experience or will they talk negatively about it? How fast does it load and what storage space does it need? The best app takes up minimal space and loads fast. Many people lack the patience of waiting for a slow loading jump and will move to the next one. It is also important to make sure there are no bugs or too many extensions. During the development stages, working with the target customer will give you a real-world outlook. This allows you to make the right and necessary amendments.

Is the description right?

When looking for apps, many people will start by reading the description. This gives them an idea of what it is all about and whether it will solve their needs. If the description is too brief or does not give a clear understanding of the app, many will ignore it and look for another one. It also should not be too long or vague as this may leave the interested person more confused. The best strategy is to make sure that the first 2-3 not only provide good descriptions but also are very catchy. They will make the person more curious about it and increase their interest.

Is your pricing right?

You will be shocked by the number of app developers who pay little attention to the price of the app. Some will simply fix a price that is slightly lower than the competitor and won’t factor in the cost of developing and designing it. Others will focus too much on the margin or profit and end up making it more costly than a similar app. Rather than guessing the price, you are better off talking to an expert or other developers. They will guide you on the pricing as well as good negotiating skills.

How are you going to market it?

Good marketing is key to getting the right and timely response. You don’t want to struggle to advertise the app and get no feedback or spending too much money and receive little attention. It is crucial to have a plan for how you will market the app, when you will do it, and who will be doing it. The general advice is to begin promoting the app about 2 weeks prior to release. It is also effective to use a behind-the-scenes video to offer more insights about the app. If done right, the market will draw an overwhelming response within a short time.

In Conclusion

Designing a mobile app comes with several challenges. These include making sure it appeals to the target market, identifying the problem that needs a solution, planning and executing crucial steps in the app design and development, funding, user experience, and much more. Nevertheless, with proper guidance and understanding, you will be able to come up with a good app and in the process achieve your goals. When making a mobile app, you need to understand that it may take time to see results and at times will be required to modify or tweak it to suit your market.